Bangkok is considered to be one of the top tourist attractions in Thailand attracting millions of visitors every year. Thailand’s capital city is located in the heart of the country and its efficient transportation network makes it ideal for moving around the city. There are plenty of things to do in Bangkok like exploring the urban complexes, visiting the temples, taking a ride across the rivers, and many more. In this blog, we will be listing some of the best things to do in Bangkok that will be useful in your Thailand trip.
Thailand's civilization began with its rivers, just like other ancient cities. In the past, Bangkok's rivers had floating markets that were busy and served as a centre for trade. Bangkok was known as the "Venice of the Far East" because of its effective water network. The Damnoen Saduak market is Bangkok's most well-known floating marketplace. As locals and visitors compete for space along the packed canal to sample food or simply purchase necessities, this market is a hive of activity. Visiting the Damnoen Saduak floating market is one of the fun things to do in Bangkok, where you can sample the local cuisine and purchase some trinkets. Additionally, going early in the day is advised because the market is typically busy.
On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace complex is encircled by four walls that cover a combined area of 218,400 square meters. The Grand Palace is a collection of intricately beautiful structures that have hosted official ceremonies, some offices, and official events. Its four main courts—the Inner Court, the Middle Court, the Outer Court, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha—are separated by numerous walls and gates. One of the best things to do in Bangkok with kids is to explore this architectural marvel, as there is plenty of space and opportunities to play with them. The Grand Palace's entrance fee is approximately 500 THB. It takes at least half a day to explore the Grand Palace, which is open from 8:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the evening.
One of the most exciting and fun things to do in Bangkok, Thailand, while visiting with family and kids is to visit Lumphini Park, which is located in the heart of Bangkok. The park is easily accessible from anywhere in the city and is free to enter. It is believed that the park, which is quite large and spans 58 acres, is the third largest park in Bangkok. The King Rama Monument, the lake in Lumpini Park, the clock tower, the library, and the children's playground are just a few of the attractions. The park is well kept, with good landscaping and tidy walkways. Additionally, you might run into fitness enthusiasts using the park's amenities. Here, there is a good chance of seeing cute birds and water monitor lizards. To enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the park is best visited in the early morning and late afternoon.
One of the best things to do in Bangkok if you’re keen on learning Thai culture is to visit the Sampran Riverside Thai Village Cultural Show. Commuting won't be a problem because they offer free pick-up and drop-off services from Bangkok hotels. Visitors to the Thai Village Rose Garden can explore a typical Thai village, take in a wedding ceremony, and visit a floating market—all in one convenient location. Sword fighting, Thai boxing, an elephant parade, and folk dancing are some of the cultural performances that can be found here. You could also visit the lovely botanical gardens, lakes, and villages. The tour is reasonably priced at 600 THB and includes several activities, making it a great value.
Bangkok Market is a favourite among tourists because of the lively atmosphere, happy vendors, and numerous items for shoppers to choose from. Even though these markets aren't designed with tourists in mind, going to them and interacting with the locals can help you learn about their culture. The Chatuchak Weekend Market, which spans up to 35 acres, is Bangkok's biggest market. Almost anything can be purchased here, including furniture, street food, handicrafts, artwork, and some antiques. One of the best things to do in Bangkok for couples is to explore all the options here and surprise your loved ones with special gifts you buy from the goods in this market.
The Wat Arun temple, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's most important places of worship and is situated along the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is renowned for its elaborate sculptures, a 70-meter-tall temple tower made of porcelain and shells, a beautiful arrangement of Buddha statues in the main temple, and its royal architectural design. The best time to go here is in the evening to admire the temple against the backdrop of the setting sun. It is advised to dress appropriately when visiting Wat Arun Temple in order to respect its beliefs. One of the interesting things to do in Bangkok is to visit this temple, which is not only a place of worship but also a place where you could get some of the best photos in Thailand.
One of the best things to do in Bangkok at night is to take in the city's beauty in a casual setting while enjoying delicious food. On a leisurely river cruise down the Chao Phraya River, take in some of Bangkok's most iconic sights while enjoying a scrumptious dinner at Grand Pearl Cruise, a world-class luxury 5-star river cruise. After checking in at River City Pier, you'll set out on an incredible adventure to see some of the most well-known attractions like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and many more from a different angle. A tantalizing buffet dinner featuring dishes from both Thai and international cuisine will be served, and a traditional Thai dance performance will cap off the evening. The 2-hour cruise departs at precisely 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m., and it's the ideal setting for quality time with our loved ones.
The Wat Pho temple is one of Bangkok's biggest and oldest temples, and it is situated in the Phra Nakhon neighbourhood. This temple, which has undergone renovation over the years, is said to have existed even before Bangkok city was founded, according to historical evidence. A 15-meter-tall statue of a reclining Buddha, one of Thailand's largest statues, serves as the site's main draw. The reclined position represents the Nirvana state the Buddha attained at the conclusion of all reincarnations. This location is renowned for its royal architecture, which includes chedis, marble, and other monuments in addition to the reclining statue. Inscriptions about Thai massage and Thai medicines can be found on the temple walls, and this temple is also regarded as the origin of those practices. This temple has also received recognition from UNESCO due to its importance. So one of the best things to do in Bangkok with family is to explore this temple.
Koh Kret, which is close to Bangkok, was created as a result of the Chao Phraya River's meandering course. Since ancient times, this island has been used as a hiding place. We can escape Bangkok's bustle and hustle on the island, which is typically tranquil and laid-back. Even though the island is small, it has a lot of temples, unusual foods, and pottery made by the Mon tribe. As part of its cultural tourism initiative, Thailand has worked to promote this island. One thing to keep in mind is that this island is only accessible on weekends and holidays. Visiting Koh Kret’s open-air market, the white-leaning stupa temple, the picturesque murals, and exploring the local cuisine are among the best things to do in Bangkok with family.
One of Thailand's biggest museums, the Bangkok National Museum, dates back to the late 19th century. King Rama V erected this museum to house his ancestors' possessions. Since then, the museum has undergone continuous improvement. The museum is a great place to learn in depth about the history, culture, arts, crafts, and regional ethnicities of the Thai people because it currently has collections and information about everything about Thailand. The collection of the museum includes statues, unearthed artefacts, Kohn masks, handicrafts, pottery, and attire from the royal families. The collection includes artefacts from all significant Thai kingdoms, including Lanna, Ayutthaya, Khmer, and many others. One of the cool things to do in Bangkok is to explore this museum, where we learn a lot about Thai culture.
Discovering the real street food in Chinatown is one of the most exciting things to do in Bangkok. Bangkok’s Chinatown is considered to be the largest Chinatown in the world. There are numerous Thai and Chinese communities in the area. As a result, this area offers both traditional Chinese and Thai cuisine as well as fusion dishes. Seafood and desserts are very popular on Yaowarat Road. The Fai-Kaew Yaowarat, T&K Seafood, and Sweet Time are a few of the area's well-known eateries. Some of the popular options available include stir-fried crab, grilled squid, fresh cockles with sauce, and many others. Sesame dumplings with ginger tea, grilled bread rolls with chocolate filling, Yaowarat toasted bread, and other desserts are some that you could try here. You can spend your evening in one of the many bars and hubs in the area.
One of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities, Bangkok is home to opulent palaces, stunning temples, bustling markets, and a thriving nightlife. The ever-growing cities in Bangkok have given rise to several skyscraper structures. While in Bangkok, one should not skip the opportunity to see this bustling city from above. The recently opened King Power Mahanakhon is quickly turning into a popular destination in and of itself. This draws a lot of visitors each year thanks to its virtual reality games, elevators with video themes, and rooftop eateries. One of the most adventurous things to do in Bangkok is to walk on the glass floor of this building, which is located 300 meters above the ground. Other sky tower structures, such as Baiyoke Sky Tower, State Tower, and Elephant Tower, are available for exploration in addition to this one. Don't miss the opportunity to see the city at night and the sun setting from the top.
Exploring Khao San Road is one of the fun things to do in Bangkok for teenagers. This location was once a market, but it is now a popular destination for travellers. Every tourist visiting Bangkok plans to stay in this area because there are affordable lodging options nearby. This location is also renowned for its thriving nightlife and active markets selling electronics, handicrafts, clothing, and seafood. Additionally, this location is great for having a good time and drinking with tourists from around the world. The best feature of this location is its central location, which makes it easy to travel elsewhere by boat, train, bus, taxi, tuk-tuk, or private vehicle.
Located on Ramkhamhaeg Road, visiting this place is among the top hidden things to do in Bangkok. There are a few MD-82 jets in the area, along with an abandoned 747 and other aeroplane parts. The planes' cockpits were also accessible, and there you could take pictures. The entire area is a great location for photography and is a lesser-known tourist destination. It is easily accessible by taxi or cab, and entrance fees range from 200 to 300 THB per person. Special care should be taken when visiting the site because of the risk of skin abrasions from the sharp edges and nails. Although this place isn't a popular or official tourist destination, explorers visit the ruins of mankind's greatest creation every year.
The Dusit Zoo, a 45-acre city-owned facility, is the oldest in Thailand and is located close to several significant government buildings. Among the many animals that live here are monkeys, hippopotamuses, alligators, tigers, and lions. The Elephant House, Nocturnal House, Reptile House, Pheasant Aviary, Hawks Exhibit, and a magnificent Play Land are just a few of the sections that make up the Bangkok Zoo. Here, there are exciting and unusual activities like watching a two-headed turtle and fishing for small fish to feed baby sharks. The Play Land has several rides to keep your child occupied. The zoo features an impressive lake where you can go boating and feed the fish for a very small fee. So one of the fun things to do in Bangkok with kids is to visit the Dusit Zoo.
Bangkok is blessed with a fantastic network of waterways, and the Chao Phraya River is crucial in connecting the city's main areas. Therefore, using the Chao Phraya River's boating networks, one could travel to Bangkok's top attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Asiatique. Both free and paid boating services are available; prices are typically reasonable, and there are options to choose from based on your preference. You can begin your boat trip at the Sathon Pier, which is close to the BTS Saphon Taksin Skytrain Station. Express boats, long-tail boats, ferry boats, shuttle boats, and river cruisers are just a few of the options available. One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to take a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River and explore Bangkok.
One of the biggest malls in Thailand, Siam Paragon is situated in the Pathum Wan shopping area and features a wide variety of shops and eateries. There are ten floors in the mall, and each one offers something different and interesting to discover. The mall is the ideal place to shop around and discover new things because it houses many other reasonably priced brands in addition to international designer brands. They offer a wide variety of goods in lifestyle, showrooms for luxury cars, spas, and many other categories. They do have important attractions like the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium, a world-class theatre, an opera concert hall, and a Thai Art Gallery. Additionally, the mall is a short walk from the BTS train station, giving visitors access to other Bangkok attractions from this location. Therefore, one of the exciting things to do in Bangkok is to set aside some time and explore this mall.
Thai massage has a long history and uses age-old methods to ease the tension in the muscles by stretching, pulling, and rocking the body. They aid in improving our posture, reducing muscle soreness, and improving blood circulation. Some of the top-rated locations in Bangkok that are good for relaxing your muscles include the Zen Tara Massage & Spa, the Lavender Massage by Arunda, and the Banyan Tree Spa. After a long day of sightseeing in the tropical heat, one of the cool things to do in Bangkok is to get a traditional massage at one of these well-known spas.
When Bangkok was discovered in 1782, it was a small area surrounded by fortified walls that is now referred to as Rattanakosin Island or Old Town Bangkok. Even though things have changed over time, the Phra Sumen Fort was one of the fortifications that once guarded the island. One of King Rama I's original fortifications is the Phra Sumen Fort, which is situated on the island with the most northerly location. Close to the tower, the lush Santichaiprakan Park provides a haven from the busy city life. After completing all of the activities on your itinerary, visiting the fort and the area around it is one of the few things to do in Bangkok with family on your Bangkok trip package.
The performances by Siam Niramit include unique, original content that charts the evolution of Thai culture from its very beginning. The production features more than 150 performers, whose elaborate costumes, stage productions, and performances help to contextualize their culture and religious beliefs. The three acts of the performance can be divided into three sections: Thailand's history, Thailand's religious beliefs, and Thailand's festivals. These initiatives have also won numerous prestigious awards and favorable reviews, including the 2015 PATA Award and the Guinness World Record for their contributions to cultural tourism. Additionally, there are shops, stalls, and cultural performances inside the structure to keep guests entertained. Therefore spending a memorable time here with our family is one of the best things to do in Bangkok with family.
Learning Thai cooking is among the fun things to do in Bangkok. With fresh ingredients and a harmony of flavours, Thai cuisine is not only delectable but also nutritious. Thai cuisine frequently uses fresh herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, pepper, and chilli. By learning about the locals' culinary customs, we can better comprehend their cultures. Some schools that offer tours of local markets can also give us advice on how to choose specific vegetables. In these cooking schools, you'll discover the tricks and methods for creating dishes of the highest calibre. Bangkok is home to numerous cooking institutes, including Blue Elephant, May Kaidee, and the Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy.
Visiting the Maeklong market, also known as the "life-risking market," is one of the hidden things to do in Bangkok, Thailand. This market is situated in the Samut Songkhram province of Bangkok. A railroad track cuts through the Maeklong market due to its layout. The vendors immediately took down their umbrellas and cleaned up the area after hearing the train's horn. Visitors are sure to be fascinated by the abrupt transition from a busy market to a railroad track, even though it is nothing new for the vendors. During the early internet boom, a video of this incident gained enormous popularity in India. This market's activity has given rise to the moniker "umbrella pull-down market." Fresh seafood, flowers, fruits, street food, and souvenirs are all widely available at the best prices at this market.
Thailand lavishly observes its festivals, the majority of which coincide with its peak travel period. Therefore, you should include attending these festivals on your itinerary if you're in Bangkok at this time. One should not miss the Songkran festival while in Bangkok, as well as the New Year's Eve celebrations and Chinese New Year celebrations. During the Chinese New Year, the entire Chinatown in Bangkok turns red, making for an exciting time to see the Chinese parade. Water fights during the Songkran festival are popular even on Khao San Road. They do observe local holidays like the vegetarian festival, during which the entire neighbourhood near Chinatown goes vegan for a short period. Also not to be missed in Thailand's cities are street festivals and late-night firework displays. As a result, taking part in these festivals is among the fun things to do in Bangkok.
A long-running cabaret show for at least 30 years is called the Calypso Cabaret Show, which is situated on the Asiatique Riverfront. They offer entertaining dance with themes drawn from many different cultures, including American, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Korean, and many others. Because of this, this show is more than just a lip-sync dance performance, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. The Asiatique also provides a range of extracurricular activities, including dining, shopping, rides, and other attractions. The boats that run along the Chao Phraya River are the most convenient way to get to Calypso Cabaret. One of the best things to do in Bangkok at night is to go to the Calypso Cabaret Show and explore the Asiatique Riverfront.
The Jim Thompson House is a charming home built in the Thai style that has a lovely garden. The house and garden are filled with priceless antiques and works of art and touring them is like stepping back in time to a previous era in Thailand. A retired American soldier named Jim Thomson is renowned for reviving Thailand's Thai silk industry. A museum featuring Thomson's collection of Thai antiques is currently housed in his elegant wooden home. One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to sample Thai cuisine at Jim Thompson Restaurant and purchase a dress from Jim Thompson Silk Shop, which has the best selection of silk dresses.